Well now you will be seeing a lot more as an art sculpture trail to raise money for children's hospice Ty Hafan is officially launched this weekend (Saturday, September 16).

More than 40 snowdogs - which are based on the animals in animated film The Snowman And The Snowdog - are being unveiled at locations across Cardiff and in the Vale of Glamorgan to raise funds and awareness of the children's hospice, which is based in Sully, near Barry.

Julien Macdonald's Honolulu snowdog

Before going out on their walkies, each Snowdog was named and decorated with its own unique design by both amateur and well-known artists including Julien Macdonald and Steven Brown.

And WalesOnline has put its name to one of the cute canines - a fire-breathing snowdragon.

The fibreglass sculpture, which stands at 1.5m tall and is based on the legendary Welsh dragon, will be positioned in the Royal Arcade, St Mary Street during the 10-week Snowdogs: Tails in Wales event.

WalesOnline's Snowdragon

Artist Dorian Spencer-Davies, a Welsh-born artist from Carmarthen who created the Snowdragon for the trail, said: "This is just one of many fantastic designs which will be scattered across Cardiff and the Vale as part of the Snowdogs: Tails in Wales public art trail in support of Tŷ Hafan.

"I’ve really, really enjoyed doing this. It’s a sort of cartoon style, and I think people of all ages will be attracted to it."

How does the trail work?

Members of the public can follow the trail by downloading the Snowdogs: Tails in Wales app or by following the map which will be available from Tŷ Hafan shops, Visit Cardiff outlets and also downloadable from the Snowdogs: Tails in Wales website (see link at foot of copy).

The app and how to download it

You can follow the trail by downloading the Snowdogs: Tails in Wales app from the App Store or Google Play store to 'unlock' the whole pack of Snowdogs.

With the app, you can collect Snowdogs, unlock rewards, view your progress, add photos to our gallery and share on social media, following @SnowdogsWales and using the #SnowdogsWales hashtag. Plus loads more pawsome features for just 99p from the App Store or Google Play.

What are the snowdogs and where can I find them?

The dogs are dotted around Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan and here's where you can see them...

Where are they on the maps?

Here are some maps to show exactly where you can locate your favourite dogs...

Cardiff

Penarth

Barry Island

How is it helping Ty Hafan?

Project Manager Helen Gibbons said: “This is one of our most exciting campaigns ever, as the Snowdogs trail will form part of everyday life for ten weeks, with the giant dogs visible on the streets, parks, beaches and iconic buildings.

“As well as raising money for children with life-limiting conditions, taking part in the trail will encourage friends and families to spend time together, exploring their favourite places around Cardiff and the Vale and rediscovering some of the areas hidden gems.

“At the hospice, one of our main goals is to enable families to make precious memories that last a lifetime – and that’s what we believe the Snowdogs: Tails in Wales trail will mean for families across south Wales, creating a shared experience for the whole community.”

And there's more...

Alongside the giant Snowdogs is a pack of 57 Snowpups created by local schools and community groups as part of a Learning Programme, sponsored by Acorns Nurseries. The Snowpups will be displayed at a range of indoor locations while the main trail is live.

What happens when the trail ends in December?

Following the interactive scamper across the city, the 1.5m tall sculptures will be on display at the Capitol centre between December 8 and December 10 for a farewell weekend before being unleashed for bidding at auction on December 12 to raise money for the hospice.